Casualties unknown

1997-01-27: Cessna 414 (N414AM) — Trace Aviation — Springfield, MO

Springfield, MO, US

On January 27, 1997, a Cessna 414 (registration N414AM) operated by Trace Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Springfield, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's continued flight into known icing conditions with an inadequate windscreen deicing system and the diminished visual lookout. Factors were the icing weather conditions and the windscreen ice. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 414 touched down left of centerline on runway 2, experienced left main gear departure twice, then nose gear collapse and 180-degree turn. Ice obscured the windscreen despite an alcohol deicing system, and preflight warnings included icing PIREPs and thin ice NOTAMs.

Event Sequence

The tower controller reported that the airplane touched down on runway 2 abeam the north VASI, left of centerline. The left main landing gear departed the runway to the left two different times prior to the runway 32 intersection. According to the controller, the aircraft veered further left, the nose gear collapsed, and the aircraft made a 180-degree turn.

Weather and Icing Information

During a preflight weather briefing, the pilot was advised of pilot reports (PIREPs) for icing along the route and NOTAMs concerning thin ice on the runway at Springfield. The passenger reported that he could see ice on the windscreen during the approach and could not see through it due to ice from where he was sitting. Photographs of the airplane taken by fire and rescue personnel immediately following the accident exhibit the windscreen obscured by rime ice.

Aircraft Equipment

The airplane was equipped with an alcohol windscreen deicing system and no electric windscreen heat. The Cessna 414 pilot's operating handbook specifies that an electric anti-icing pilot's windshield must be installed for flight into icing conditions.

Post-Accident Documentation

Fire and rescue personnel documented the condition of the windscreen through photographs, showing the windscreen obscured by rime ice. The tower controller provided a verbal account of the landing sequence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07275. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.